Cited by 1,329Motivation and Self-Concept in SportsPhysical Activity and HealthSport Psychology and Performance

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Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale: Two Validation Studies

Kendzierski, Deborah, DeCarlo, Kenneth J.·1991·Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Abstract

Two studies examined the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). In Study 1, each subject rode an exercise bicycle under control and external focus conditions. The PACES had high internal consistency in both conditions. As predicted, subjects reported enjoying the exercise more, as measured by the PACES, in the external focus condition. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation in the control condition between subjects' PACES scores and their scores on a measure of boredom proneness. In Study 2, each subject rode an exercise bicycle and jogged on a minitrampoline in separate sessions; each then chose one of these activities for their third session. Again, the PACES had high internal consistency. And, as predicted, there was a significant relationship between subjects' PACES ratings (completed after each activity) and their choices of activity. Test-retest reliability was high for jogging and moderate for bicycling. These studies provide preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of the PACES.

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Lindahl, M., Hansen, E. A., Skinneholm, M. E., Abed-Allatief, R. H., Mortensen, M. P., Vestergaard, A., Windskov, C., Jørgensen, A.-S. H., Jensen, L., & Juneja, H. (2024) · European Journal of Physiotherapy · doi:10.1080/21679169.2024.2444963 · Cited by 4
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Method
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Method
Energy expenditure compared to mental focus & score in three modes of golf transport/play
Wolkodoff, N. E., Haase, G. M., & Pennymon, B. N. (2022) · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · doi:10.30574/wjarr.2022.16.3.1403 · Cited by 3
Women’s Involvement in Steady Exercise (WISE): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Ferrando-Terradez, I., Dueñas, L., Parčina, I., Ćopić, N., Petronijević, S., Beltrami, G., Pezzoni, F., Valenzuela, C. S. M., Gijssel, M., Moliterni, S., et al. (2023) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare11091279 · Cited by 4
“The questionnaire comprises 16 items, where participants rate their feelings about the physical activity they have been engaging in using a 7-point Likert scale, ranging between 1 (not at all) and 7 (very much) [61].”
Method
Effects of the Interactive Features of Virtual Partner on Individual Exercise Level and Exercise Perception
Wang, Y., Zhang, M., Wu, J., Zhang, H., Yang, H., Guo, S., Lin, Z., & Lu, C. (2023) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs13050434 · Cited by 3
“Subjective exercise enjoyment was rated using the short version (8 items) of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) [34,35].”
Method
Self-selected or fixed: is there an optimal rest interval for controlling intensity in high-intensity interval resistance training?
Fidalgo, A., Farinatti, P., Matos-Santos, L., Pilon, R., Rodrigues, G. M., Oliveira, B. R. R., & Monteiro, W. (2023) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-023-05246-9 · Cited by 3
“The enjoyment elicited by HIRT sessions was evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) questionnaire (Kendzierski and DeCarlo 1991).”
Method
Exploring subjective responses in high-intensity multimodal training: an online cross-sectional survey
Sharp, T., Grandou, C., Coutts, A. J., & Wallace, L. (2023) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073659 · Cited by 2
Effects of a laboratory-based aerobic exercise intervention on brain volume and cardiovascular health markers: protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Molina‐Hidalgo, C., Collins, A. M., Crisafio, M. E., Grove, G., Kamarck, T. W., Kang, C., Leckie, R. L., MacDonald, M., Manuck, S. B., Marsland, A. L., et al. (2023) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077905 · Cited by 2
Examining the effects of increasing then decreasing exercise intensity within a session of aerobic exercise
Kilpatrick, M. W., Mastrofini, G. F., Sheriff, P. P., McClugage, C. L., Korte, S., & Zenko, Z. (2024) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102637 · Cited by 4
Enjoyment and Affective Responses to Moderate and High-Intensity Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Individuals with Subsyndromal PTSD
Greene, D. R., Holland, A. M., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2024) · Sports · doi:10.3390/sports12050138 · Cited by 5
A process evaluation of the walking in ScHools (WISH) study using the RE-AIM framework
Carlin, A., Doherty, L. C., O’Kane, S. M., Jago, R., Lahart, I. M., McDermott, G., Faulkner, M., Gallagher, A. M., & MURPHY, M. H. (2025) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-025-21434-y · Cited by 3
“The 18-item PA enjoyment scale [40] was modified for use in adolescents and included 16 items measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale [40].”
VReflect: Evaluating the Impact of Perspectives, Mirrors and Avatars in Virtual Reality Movement Training
Dietz, D., Berger, F., Ou, C., Chiossi, F., Graeber, G., Butz, A. M., & Hoppe, M. (2025) · ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (VRST) · doi:10.1145/3756884.3766021 · Cited by 2
“Both metrics provide insights into how visual focus was affected by the conditions.”
The enjoyment of two teaching programs (creative and non-creative one) in physical education. The case of 4th and 6th grade in Greek elementary school
Reppa, G. (2010) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.310 · Cited by 4
High-intensity exercise to promote accelerated improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (HI-PACE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
McGee, J. E., Barefoot, S. G., Gniewek, N. R., Brophy, P. M., Clark, A., Dubis, G. S., RYAN, T. E., Houmard, J. A., Vos, P., Raedeke, T. D., et al. (2019) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3611-1 · Cited by 2
Affect and Enjoyment Associated with CrossFit Exercise
Kaus, R. J. (2014) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · Cited by 3
Perceived environmental restorativeness and affective responses to indoor vs. outdoor exercise
Williams, A. (2011) · NC Digital Online Collection of Knowledge and Scholarship (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) · Cited by 3
Engaging adolescent girls in school sport (a feasibility study)
Dudley, D. A., Pearson, P., & Okely, T. (2006) · Journal of science and medicine in sport · doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2006.12.046 · Cited by 3
Predicted and actual exercise discomfort, self-efficacy and enjoyment in middle school children : a match-mismatched paradigm
Kane, I. (2007) · University Microfilms International eBooks · Cited by 3
Measuring Enjoyment of Ballroom Dancing in Filipino Americans Using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale
Angosta, A. D., Serafica, R. C., & Moonie, S. A. (2015) · Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal · doi:10.1177/2373665815585320 · Cited by 3
Feel Better But Exercise Less: An Examination of Exercise Enjoyment, Personality and Physical Activity in Young Adults
Datta, S. (2016) · Acta Psychopathologica · doi:10.4172/2469-6676.100029 · Cited by 5
El nivel del disfrute con la actividad física en adolescentes: Educación física vs. Actividad física extraescolar
Iturricastillo, A., & Yanci, J. (2016) · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Cited by 6
Effect of efitbuddy on promoting physical activity and motivation in college students
Zhang, P., Fu, Y., Burns, R. D., & Godin, S. (2018) · Journal of Human Sport and Exercise · doi:10.14198/jhse.2018.134.08 · Cited by 3
“The enjoyment of physical activity (PA) was assessed by the revised PACES, which was originally designed to measure positive affect associated with involvement in physical activities in college students (Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991).”
Method
Lessons Learned from a Nontraditional Sports Program: CrossFit Kids for Youth at Risk
Gipson, C. M., Hunt, T. N., & Moore, M. (2018) · National Youth-At-Risk Journal · doi:10.20429/nyarj.2018.030104 · Cited by 3
“Therefore, numerous instruments were administered at the beginning and end of the first 12-week session: the Physical Activity Enjoyment State Scale (Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991), Goal Setting Skills Scale (Hansen, 1997), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997), the…”
Method
Acceptability and Feasibility of the Telehealth Bariatric Behavioral Intervention to Increase Physical Activity: Protocol for a Single-Case Experimental Study
Baillot, A., St‐Pierre, M., Lapointe, J., Bernard, P., Bond, D. S., Romain, A. J., Garneau, P. Y., Biertho, L. D., Tchernof, A., Blackburn, P., et al. (2022) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/39633 · Cited by 4
“PA enjoyment is assessed using the 18-item PA Enjoyment Scale [97]; motivational regulations for PA (ie, intrinsic, identified, introjected, integrated, external, and amotivation) are assessed using the 19-item Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 [95]; basic psychological”
No Differences in Active Young Adults’ Affective Valence or Enjoyment Between Rowing and Cycling
Astorino, T. A., Oriente, C., Peterson, J., Alberto, G., Castillo, E. E., Vasquez-Soto, U., Ibarra, E., Guyse, V., Castaneda-Garcia, I., Marroquin, J. R., et al. (2020) · Perceptual and Motor Skills · doi:10.1177/0031512520903912 · Cited by 3
“Five minutes postexercise, we asked participants to rate their enjoyment of each session using the 18-item Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES; Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991).”
Method
Environmental influences on physical activity among adolescents: studies on determinants and intervention strategies
Prins, R. (2012) · RePub (Erasmus University Rotterdam) · Cited by 3
Factor validity, invariance, and comparison of several measures of physical activity enjoyment
Hales, D. P. (2005) · Cited by 3
The effects of interactive video (DDR) on heart rate, perceived exertion, step count, self -efficacy, and enjoyment in elementary school children
Olmsted, B. J. (2006) · doi:10.33915/etd.4253 · Cited by 3
Promoting physical activity in socially vulnerable groups : a mixed method evaluation in multiple community-based physical activity programs
Herens, M. C. (2016) · doi:10.18174/380446 · Cited by 4
Determinants of smoking related weight-concern in smokers participating in a community-based cessation program
Kilmurray, C., Weg, M. W. V., Wilson, N. Z., Relyea, G. E., McClanahan, B. S., Stockton, M. B., & Ward, K. D. (2023) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101809 · Cited by 3
Level of enjoyment during physical activity among children
Heng, W. S., & Koh, D. (2021) · Malaysian Journal of Movement Health & Exercise · doi:10.4103/mohe.mohe_20_21 · Cited by 2
Effectiveness of a school-based high-intensity interval training intervention in adolescents: study protocol of the PRO-HIIT cluster randomised controlled trial
Liu, Y., BARKER, A. R., Adlam, A., Li, M., Duncombe, S. L., Agbaje, A. O., Gu, Y., Zhou, H., & Williams, C. A. (2024) · Frontiers in Pediatrics · doi:10.3389/fped.2024.1458610 · Cited by 4
Do Exercise Pattern and Intensity Influence Affective and Enjoyment Responses in Active Adults? A Secondary Analysis
Marcotte‐Chénard, A., Islam, H., Jackson, G. S., & Little, J. P. (2025) · Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport · doi:10.1080/02701367.2025.2471880 · Cited by 3
“At the end of each session, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES; Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991) was filled out by the participants.”
Five Years Later—The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Performance and Cardiometabolic Health Using a Smart Home Gym: An Ecological Case Study
Nguyen, T. H., Yamamoto, T., Cho, D., Nguyen, T. L., Goldman, P., & Dolezal, B. A. (2025) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph22050762 · Cited by 2
“, 22 , x FOR PEER REVIEW PACES results have shown acceptable internal consistency [44].”

Authors: Kendzierski, D., & DeCarlo, K. J.
Affiliations: Villanova University (US)
Venue: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Published: 1991-03
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 50-64
ISSN: 0895-2779 (ISSN-L)
1543-2904
DOI: 10.1123/jsep.13.1.50
OpenAlex: W2170398533
Cited by: 1,329
References: 0
Citations by year: 2026: 82 · 2025: 101 · 2024: 113 · 2023: 100 · 2022: 116 · 2021: 111 · 2020: 89 · 2019: 77 · 2018: 64 · 2017: 72 · 2016: 58 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 53 · 2013: 47 · 2012: 28
FWCI: 1.35
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Sport Psychology and Performance
Keywords: Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, exercise enjoyment, scale validation, reliability statistics, external focus, boredom proneness, cycling, test-retest reliability, internal consistency

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Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale: Two Validation Studies

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